TCS Class of 2016: A Decade of Friendship,
Faith, and Growth
By Samantha DePriest
As the TCS Class of 2016 approaches their 10-year reunion, a tight-knit group of alumni continues to cherish the deep friendships and shared faith that began within the walls of their alma mater. What started in classrooms, chapel services, and middle school musicals has blossomed into lifelong connection and a tradition of gathering that has remained strong.
Pictured l to r: back row: Michael Smaltz, Elijah Robinson, Sarah Reams, Alec Labonte.
Pictured l to r front row: Benjamin Peacock, Beth Powell, and Emily Olson.
Benjamin Peacock, known affectionately as the glue of the group, has always prioritized relationships. Whether leading group chats or organizing annual hiking trips from Waynesville, NC to the Great Smoky Mountains Benjamin is a connector. “We love reminiscing and creating new memories,” he says. Over the years, these getaways have become more meaningful, with shared meals, spiritual devotions, and support through life’s changes.” When he is not planning class reunions, he can be found coaching the Cross Country team and substitute teaching at Lakeland Christian School, lifeguarding at the Lakeland Country Club, or serving as the Youth Associate Pastor at Victory Church in Lakeland, Florida.
Michael Smaltz began his journey at TCS in Kindergarten and graduated with a love for the arts. Active in choir, theatre, and visual art, Michael performed in Seussical, Beauty and the Beast, and Mary Poppins, and built an art portfolio that would launch him into a Graphic Design degree at Lee University. Today, he lives in Murfreesboro, TN, working remotely for a print shop, creating artwork for businesses, ministries, and weddings. His passion remains clear: “I love to glorify God through art.”
Selected by their classmates as Mr. and Mrs. Trinity - Ben and Beth.
Beth Powell remembers TCS not just as a school but as a spiritual foundation. As a staff kid who practically lived on campus, she forged her deepest friendships in middle school between lockers and lunch tables. Beth was deeply involved in missions, worship nights, and student ministry, “We weren’t surface-level friends. We truly did life together.” She now works for Chick-fil-A while pursuing a marketing degree at Point University and continues mentoring young girls through Scripture and gratitude journaling. Her dream is to tell stories that reflect Jesus’ heart: “Faithfulness where we’re placed.”
Sarah Reams, who started at TCS in 4th grade, found her favorite class in Scientific Inquiry with Mrs. Cavanaugh who encouraged curiosity and purpose on a daily basis. Though she started college in business, Sarah shifted to the medical field and now works remotely, helping patients through an At Home Monitoring company. A proud mother of a 4-year-old daughter, she finds joy and contentment in life’s current season. “Trust what the Lord is telling you to do,” she advises. “Even if it doesn’t look like your plan—He has your best interest at heart.”
Emily Olson began her journey at TCS in the 5th grade where she formed a close-knit friend group that has remained strong ever since. She was actively involved in cross country and track, participated in BETA Club, enjoyed art classes and devotionals with her friends. After TCS, she attended Anderson University and earned her degree in Interior Design in 2020. For the past five years, she has worked at an architectural firm locally in Peachtree City focusing on commercial projects including medical facilities and churches. Emily has been part of the annual trips from the very beginning and shared “These adventures offer a chance to reconnect with lifelong friends and make new memories.”
What unites this friend group is a spiritual bond deeply rooted in their TCS experience. From detention for praying too long in Bible study to spontaneous caroling and prayer during Christmas parties, their faith has always been at the core. They gather every December for a Christmas Party complete with white elephant games and saran wrap gifts and summer pool days filled with laughter and nostalgia.
As their 10-year reunion approaches in 2026, one thing is clear: these alumni are not only grateful for the memories they made at TCS, they are still making new ones together. Through every hike, devotion, and group chat, they continue to be the body of Christ to one another.
Pictured l to r: Sarah Reams, Emily Olson, Benjamin Peacock, Beth Powell, and Michael Smaltz.
Lion For Life
Lion For Life represents family. Each and every student who graduates from Trinity Christian School is a Lion for Life and part of a community that reaches beyond our campus walls. At Trinity, we strive to prepare today’s student to impact tomorrow’s world. Maintaining connections with our alumni gives us opportunities to witness how God is working in their lives after high school and celebrate their accomplishments and achievements for years to come.
Each Fall, TCS hosts an annual Homecoming Alumni Tailgate on the field during the Varsity Homecoming Football game. This special tradition of an Alumni-only gathering serves as an opportunity to reconnect with former classmates and TCS Staff. We love staying connected with our students after graduation and look forward to future alumni events.
To share with us exciting milestones and how God is working in your ilife, please fill out the form on the Lion For Life landing page today. We look forward to hearing from you!
